fibrous

adjective

fi·​brous ˈfī-brəs 

1

a

: containing, consisting of, or resembling fibers

b

: characterized by fibrosis

c

: capable of being separated into fibers

a fibrous mineral

2

: tough, sinewy

fibrous texture

Synonyms of fibrous

• stringy

Examples of fibrous in a Sentence

He had surgery to remove fibrous scar tissue in his knee.

thick, fibrous hair that was not easy to comb

Recent Examples on the Web

The scientists found both were composed of a fibrous material that contained many stinging cells called spirocysts, which belong exclusively to the branch of aquatic invertebrates known as cnidarians. —Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 2026

But closer analysis revealed it was made of fibrous layers packed with stinging cells, pointing to a connection with cnidarians, the group that includes corals and anemones. —Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026

Use a spoon to scrape out any fibrous fuzzy hairs. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026

Mistletoe, on the other hand, relies on rigid cellulose nanocrystals to form sticky, fibrous networks. —Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

modification of Middle French fibreux, from fibre fiber

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing fibrous

• fibrous root

Kids Definition

fibrous

adjective

fi·​brous ˈfī-brəs 

1

: containing, consisting of, or resembling fibers

2

: tough entry 1 sense 1b, stringy

Medical Definition

fibrous

adjective

fi·​brous ˈfī-brəs 

1

: containing, consisting of, or resembling fibers

collagen is a fibrous protein

2

: characterized by fibrosis